LEGISLATIVE INTENT

The Legislature finds as a matter of public policy and fact that it is necessary to provide statewide uniform standards for issuing licenses to carry concealed handguns for lawful self-defense and self-protection, and further finds it necessary to occupy the field of regulation of the bearing of concealed handguns to ensure that no honest, law-abiding citizen who qualifies pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, Sections 1 through 25 of this act, is subjectively or arbitrarily denied their rights. The Legislature does not delegate to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation any authority to regulate or restrict the issuing of licenses except as provided by the provisions of this act. Subjective or arbitrary actions or rules which encumber the issuing process by placing burdens on the applicant beyond those requirements detailed in the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act or which create restrictions beyond those specified in this act are deemed to be in conflict with the intent of this act and are hereby prohibited. The Oklahoma Self-Defense Act shall be liberally construed to carry out the constitutional right to bear arms for self-defense and self-protection. The provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act are cumulative to existing rights to bear arms and nothing in Sections 1 through 25 of this act shall impair or diminish those rights.

Laws 1995, SB 3, c. 272, § 25, eff. September 1, 1995.